Friday, October 31, 2008

"So I'm in charge of a large party this weekend and everyone is expecting me to make homemade root beer, witches brew style, you know what I'm talking about? P.S. I'm a man so pictures would help."

-J.M. Provo, UT

young man, we know oh so well how to handle this one. done it many times and it is so easy, its scary!!

i will see your "pictures" and raise you a video:

homemade root beeruse a large insulated drink cooler to brew it in. this is best to do outdoors or in a place where the cooler can chill and flow like a homemade fog machine. in the kitchen sink, usually works just fine. also, dry ice can be dangerous. be sure to use gloves when handling. do not allow children to handle the dry ice.ingredients: 2 cups white sugar 1 gallon cold water 1 Tbsp. root beer extract/concentrate 2 cups dry ice broken into chunks. (more dry ice will produce more carbonation.)

makes about 16 8 oz. servings.

directions:in a large cooler, mix together the sugar and water, stirring to dissolve sugar completely. stir in the root beer extract. carefully place the dry ice into the cooler, and cover loosely with the lid. do not secure the lid as pressure may build up.

let the mixture ”brew” for at least 1/2 hour before serving. leftovers can be stored in one gallon water jugs.

tips & secrets:there are 16 – 8 oz servings in 1 gallon.a little vanilla is a good addition to your root beer. gingerale can be make in the same way using sugar, water and fresh ginger. experiment!